Destinations

Take whatever preconceptions you have about Colombia and leave them at home: this remarkable country will take you by surprise. The second-most biodiverse nation in the world harbors vast swaths of wildlife-rich Amazon jungle in its interior, while coral-white beaches, dizzying mountains and leafy highland coffee plantations crown Colombia as a place of extraordinary natural

Considering the fact that The Bahamas is comprised of over 700 islands, it should be no surprise that the country is one of the Caribbean’s leading beach destinations. The striking contrast between the dark blue deep blue Atlantic waters and the hypnotizing hues of the country’s shallow turquoise seas have even become a treat for

Scratching China’s back with its mountain-studded crown, Vietnam’s tall and slender body extends its toes all the way south to the tropical waters off Cambodia’s coast. From mega-cities to white-sand beaches, jade-green paddy fields and soaring limestone peaks, Vietnam offers a staggering pick of different adventures and landscapes. It’s hard to decide where to start. 

In this series, Lonely Planet’s team of writers and editors answers your travel problems and provides tips and hacks to help you plan a hassle-free trip. A question about planning travel around your menstrual cycle prompted this thoughtful response from multi-continental Lonely Planet correspondent Tasmin Waby. Question: I’m 23 and planning an extended trip later

The picture-postcard idyll of the Caribbean vacation is often true. Yes, you’re going to get those perfectly tilted palm trees and champagne sands. And let’s not forget the balmy sun-filled days and addictive calypso and reggae beats. But with world-class botanical gardens, mesmerizing cave systems and unique geological wonders to wow the whole family, the

Barcelona is a perfectly sized city. It is sufficiently big, so you always have something to do and something new to discover, and thanks to its relatively compact size and extensive metro and bus networks, you can easily get anywhere in the city in no time. If you love exploring by bike, you’ll also be happy to hear

The magic of Buenos Aires lasts all year long. This non-stop, fast-paced city has something to offer at any time of year, and a packed calendar of cultural events brings a different festival to the city almost every month. When is the best time to visit Buenos Aires? That depends on whether you prefer sticky summer heat,

With sands of varying hues of white, pink, brown and black, lush green forests, and tantalizing clear turquoise waters, the Caribbean is the first choice of many to escape the bustle of life and soak in soothing nature. However, this collection of over 700 islands has much more to offer than some R&R. The visual

Soaking up the sights in Athens doesn’t have to break the bank. Even with its huge number of top-flight, world-class sights, the Greek capital is a very reasonably priced city, an ideal European bargain destination. While entry fees to top-tier sights can add up – entry to the Acropolis costs €20, and getting into the Acropolis

Croatia has arty cities, tumbling waterfalls and rolling vineyards. But most visitors are here for its 2000km (1242 mile) coastline, which tumbles down the Adriatic like a glorious, half-finished jigsaw.  Here you’ll find idyllic coves, sophisticated ports and ferries that slip from island to island. Choosing the best time to go to Croatia depends on

From sweeping coastal shorelines to craggy floating icebergs, glistening glacial lakes to the climbing canopy of ancient forests, Canada’s enthralling landscapes continue to beckon wonder-seekers from around the globe.  The people spread across the world’s second-largest country are equally as diverse – a complex Indigenous history and growing immigrant population make for increasingly cosmopolitan cities,

Beating out even famously scenic states like Alaska and Utah, California boasts more national parks than any other state. The Golden State’s 10 national parks show off the diverse range of landscapes you can find on the West Coast, from the towering redwoods of NorCal, the arid deserts of SoCal, the iconic flora of Joshua Tree, and

Most travelers associate the Caribbean with chilling on a white sand beach or exploring the underwater world beneath a turquoise sea, but for those that desire a bit of exercise before their tropical cocktail, the region is also home to some legendary hiking trails. From hiking the region’s first long-distance route, the 115-mile Waitukubuli National

A beautiful island that has everything from snow-dusted peaks and steaming hot springs to wildlife-filled nature reserves and neon-drenched cities, Taiwan is shaping up to be one of the most popular destinations in Asia. Foodies flock to Taipei to sample some of the world’s tastiest street foods (don’t leave without enjoying a bowl of beef

Unlike Colorado and California, most of Utah’s world-class skiing is less than an hour’s drive from its metropolitan airport. In fact, there are 10 such resorts in the vicinity, spread across the famous Cottonwood canyons, Park City, and nearby Ogden and Provo.  Better yet, Utah is billed for having “the greatest snow on Earth,” thanks

Want to start planning for the year ahead? Here are more than 20 reasons to consider a once-in-a-lifetime trip in 2023.  Festivals  WorldPride crosses the equator Since its inaugural event in Rome more than two decades ago, this semiannual global celebration of LGBTIQ+ pride has never been held in the Southern Hemisphere – until 2023, when

The roar of the crowd. The resonating beats that can’t be reproduced with headphones. The thrill of seeing your favorite music artist live and in the flesh.  The greatest live-music events are transporting experiences.  Whether their songs have been the soundtrack to your life or you just can’t help but bust a move when they

From ancient mountain ranges, dense forests and remote islands to historic forts, battlefields and national monuments, Virginia has 22 wonderful national parks calling out to modern-day explorers. Millions of visitors flock to famous sites such as Shenandoah National Park, Colonial National Historical Park and Fredericksburg National Military Park for Virginia’s signature blend of natural beauty

Belize is the perfect road-trip country. In fact, renting a car and driving yourself is by far the best way to get around when there is so much to see within such short distances. You can stop when and where you want to admire the scenery and take as much time as you’d like at

The subject matter, the medium, the context: the best exhibitions bring everything together, turning art into a “here and now” experience. In simpler terms, you have to be there to feel it. And there’s plenty to feel at museums across the country in 2023. Whether you want to rekindle a sense of wonder, trace the